Biofilm-based surfactin production for antiviral surfaces

Inspiration

Bacillus subtilis is a soil-dwelling bacterium that form biofilms when under stress. The biofilm produces surfactin, a substance that is a highly effective surfactant with antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Surfaces that have ongoing contact of many individuals need to be prevent from harbouring viruses, but this is easier if there is something living on that surfaces that actively kills or digests the virus.

What it does

The technology would involve growing B. subtilis (or other bacteria) biofilms on surfaces. The biofilm would actively produce surfactin, thus destroying virus particles that encounter the surface. This would resolve the need for constantly santising surfaces in public venues (e.g. tables, door handles).

How I built it

At present this is only an idea, but the simplicity is that the proof of principle experiments do not require any genetic modification in the bacterial strains, but rather selecting the most suitable strain. In the first stage, the concentration of surfactin produced by the biofilm needs to be assessed as being relevant or not to virus particles. Secondly, the survival of virus particles on the biofilm-coated surface needs to be assessed. Finally, safety of the method needs to be assessed in terms of the surfactin quantities.

Challenges I ran into

This idea is currently under development. In the first stage, it is necessary to test the viability through the literature and with researchers who have worked with biofilms.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

This solution is an alterative to santisation or using gloves that provides active protect from pathogenic particles.

What's next for Biofilm-based surfactin production for antiviral surfaces

Ideally I would like to find team members who can assess the viability of the idea in terms of surfactin concentration and effectiveness against virus particles.

Built With

• synthetic-biology